UNDERSTANDING HOMOSEXUALITY IN THE ANCIENT WORLD: MORE THAN JUST ANCIENT GREECE

When the topic of homosexuality in the ancient world comes up, the discussion often gravitates towards Ancient Greece, celebrated for its 'tolerance' towards same-sex relationships. Some might even point out that "it was even depicted in frescoes." However, the situation is far more nuanced than that.

A Matter of the Polis

Firstly, it's essential to note that Ancient Greece was not a unified nation as many people still think, but rather a collection of independent city-states, known as 'polis.' Each polis had its own laws, some of which were significantly different from one another.

A Different Approach to Homosexuality

Secondly, the approach to homosexual relationships in Ancient Greece was unique. The most common form of same-sex interaction was pederasty—used here as a technical term. Generally, this involved a relationship between a young man aged 20 to 30 (known as the 'erastes') and a boy or youth (the 'eromenos').
Beyond the sexual aspect, these relationships had a more profound dimension. The erastes acted as a guardian and a mentor for the eromenos. This practice was socially accepted and often ended when the erastes entered into a conventional, heterosexual marriage—although exceptions did exist.

Social Dynamics Over Sexual Orientation

Other forms of homosexual relationships were less tolerated, including those involving slaves. The issue wasn't about being heterosexual or homosexual, but rather about dominance and submission. Simply put, being a passive homosexual was not held in high regard during those times.

What About Women?

Discussing male homosexuality inevitably leads us to ponder the situation for women. In Ancient Greek society, women were generally perceived as submissive, and a dominating woman was somewhat unusual. However, there were exceptions like Sparta, which was relatively more 'feminist' compared to other Greek city-states.

The Roman Perspective

In Ancient Rome, the social acceptance of homosexuality varied depending on the period. While same-sex relationships were frowned upon during the Republic, they were more accepted at the dawn of the Roman Empire, at least among the upper classes. Notable figures like Elagabalus could be the subject of an entire blog post. It's also worth mentioning that same-sex marriages were permitted in Ancient Rome, not as a sign of tolerance, but rather as a natural extension of marriage being a simple contract between two people, not bound by secular or religious law.

The Christian Impact

The practice of homosexuality in Rome significantly declined with the spread of Christianity, affecting societal views on this aspect of human behavior for centuries to come.
So, when discussing homosexuality in the ancient world, it's essential to move beyond the oversimplified focus on Ancient Greece and consider the complexity and diversity of experiences across different cultures and time periods.

Beyond Greece and Rome: A Complex View on Homosexuality in Other Ancient Civilizations

While Ancient Greece often dominates the discussion on homosexuality in the ancient world, the perspectives and practices across other ancient civilizations are equally fascinating and much more controversial.

The Enigma of Ancient Egypt

Data on homosexuality in Ancient Egypt is scarce, to say the least. The one thing that seems clear is that the ancient Egyptians were aware of same-sex relations between men. Beyond that, much remains speculative due to the lack of precise information.

Between Tolerance and Punishment: Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent

The situation in Mesopotamia, especially in regions like Babylon and Assyria, offers a stark contrast. In Babylon, there are accounts of priests engaging in homosexual practices as part of their religious duties. On the other hand, in Assyria, homosexuality was punishable by severe penalties, including castration or even death.

China: A Long History of Tolerance

China stands out in its approach to homosexuality, probably boasting the longest historical record of not actively persecuting homosexuals. From ancient times, emperors not only had female concubines but also male ones. The representation of homosexuality in Chinese art is considerable, reflecting the society's relative openness toward different sexual orientations. Even under the current Communist regime, there's a relative level of tolerance, which is remarkable given the global historical context.